Alex boss gives us his reaction to Doncaster defeat
Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis blamed individual mistakes for the Railwaymen’s 2-1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers at Gresty Road.
A Max Clayton strike early in the second-half put the Alex ahead, but a double by former Port Vale forward Billy Paynter turned the game on its head and gave the league-leaders three points.
Generally, boss Steve Davis felt that his side deserved to get something from the game, and felt his side picked up their level of performance from the disappointing loss to Brentford in midweek, but still feels that the Alex need to cut out certain parts of their game if they are able to move up to the next level.
Speaking after the game, Steve told crewealex.net: “I thought we did alright but we have given them two gifts for goals. It was just a lack of concentration at times and we have thrown the game away with those little mistakes. We gifted them one from a throw-in and at times, when we get a throw in, I think there are occasions when the players don't want to receive the ball. They can do better than that.
"Paytner has nicked it and was allowed to carry it a long way, too far for my liking and we didn't oppose him enough. The second one looked offside but Mark (Ellis) may have stayed in there to play him onside. He can do that. It is about his concentration level and remaining switched on in there. I've told him that after the game.
"We have made two mistakes and it has cost us the game, when perhaps a 2-2 draw was fair. Byron had a great chance in the first half to score and Ollie had a late chance to grab an equaliser. He should have scored and he will know that.
"Doncaster are effective at what they do. They go from back to front very quickly, and look for those knock downs. They have some tall players and I thought we defended well against that. George Ray did well for his debut but it was made easier by him having a couple of centre-halves alongside him.
"Paynter is a finisher and he has played at a higher level than this before. That is what you have a big budget for, to bring players like that off the bench to win the game.
"Max showed he was a finisher as well. He took his goal really well and we know he can do that. It was a lovely finish after a good move and a good ball from Chuks.
He added: "We tried to keep at it, had that late chance with Ollie and I think 2-2 would have been a fair result for our efforts."